Chevrolet just announced that the 2023 Silverado 1500 RST Crew Cab is getting a new base engine. This is a bit surprising because up to now its base engine was the 5.3-liter L84 V8. The new base engine is now the 2.7-liter L3B turbo inline four-cylinder. This covers all RST Crew Cab trucks whether ordered with the short bed or standard bed. 

Wasn’t the 2.7-liter engine always the base engine?

It’s a bit confusing, as the Silverado 1500 RST Double Cab already lists the 2.7-liter as its base engine. In any event, the RST models will continue offering the 6.2-liter L87 V8 gas engine, the formerly base 5.3-liter V8, and the 3.0-liter LZ0 inline six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine. For comparison, the 2.7-liter engine four has 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, versus the now-optional 5.3-liter V8 rated at 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. 

So the difference is not too great. But keep in mind that the V8 means you can opt for the Z71 off-road package. According to GMAuthority, it is not available with the 2.7-liter. There is also the matter of fuel economy. The 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine has the best mileage figures at 23 City and 33 Highway mpg. Four-wheel drive drops those figures.

What MPG and towing capacity does the Silverado 1500 have?

If you choose the base 2.7-liter, the mileage is 20 City and 22 Highway. With the 5.3-liter V8, the City number drops to 16 mpg but stays at 22 mpg for Highway numbers. The 6.2-liter V8 has similar numbers at 16/21 mpg. 

The top-of-the-line Silverado 6.2-liter V8 puts out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It has a towing capacity ranging between 8,900 lbs and 13,300 lbs depending on options. Towing capacity for the 5.3-liter is between 9,300 lbs and 11,300 lbs, with the base 2.7-liter engine at 9,500 lbs. The 3.0-liter LZ0 turbodiesel Duramax engine has 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque ratings, with towing capacity ranging from 9,000 lbs to 13,300 lbs. 

With the base engine, you get the eight-speed automatic transmission. The other three engines are hooked to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Both two-and four-wheel drive are available. 

What are the Silverado trims and how much are they?

For 2023, the Silverado 1500 comes in five different trims. The base model is the WT or Work Truck, starting at $36,645. Next is the Custom, jumping up to $43,945. The LT bumps up to $48,345, and also comes with a more luxurious interior. 

In the middle is the Trail Boss at $52,145. Going for the top-of-the-line trim is the High Country starting at almost $64,000. It is followed by the LTZ at $59,045, and the RST priced at $53,345. 

Of course, technology, safety, and driver-assist features are compatible with its rivals. The Ram 1500, Ford F-150, and Silverado 1500 each bring unique attributes for truck buyers. We’d place the Silverado 1500 between the Ram and F-150 as far as capability, features, and overall use are concerned. Intrinsic offerings like specific interior appointments, overall design, and seat-of-the-pants feel will surely guide you to the right 2023 pickup.